Communications

Economic opportunity is linked to skills development, learning and educational opportunities, which are increasingly dependent on the Internet. However, only around 33 percent of the Philippines population is connected to the Internet. Indigenous People, rural and poor communities have very limited access at very slow speeds. The CPRSX online learning facilities and school planned for the marginalized sectors does require high speed internet. The communications industry recognises the benefits of new customers and they have plans to offer new services in new or remote areas.

The CPRSX Climate Change Action Plan includes an online learning system powered by Blackboard ™, which includes information and document download servicen powered by the CPRSXCloud for the benefit of our JV Partners, Foundation Members, stakeholders and collaborators. We are pleased that President Duterte is taking steps to remedy the communications problems.

The United Nations Human Rights Council declared that Internet access is a fundamental enabler of human rights guaranteed by article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These were formally recognised by Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, and Spain as a human rights so that citizens may stay informed and use the information and online services needed in 21st-century. The United Nations’ Human Rights Council unanimously backed the idea in a resolution dated June 29, 2012, signed by all 47 members including China and Cuba. The resolution:

‘Affirms that the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular freedom of expression, which is applicable regardless of frontiers and through any media of one’s choice, in accordance with articles 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Recognises the global and open nature of the Internet as a driving force in accelerating progress towards development in its various forms.

Calls upon all states to promote and facilitate access to the Internet and international cooperation aimed at the development of media and information and communications facilities in all countries.

Encourages special procedures to take these issues into account within their existing mandates, as applicable.

Decides to continue its consideration of the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, on the Internet and in other technologies, as well as of how the Internet can be an important tool for development and for exercising human rights, in accordance with its programme of work.’